GOP White House Hopeful received the "straight talk"!!!

GOP white house hopeful John MCcain was guest speaker at New Hampshire's Concord High School today, and a student named William Sleaster who identify as bi-sexual gave Sen. John MCcain some real 'straight talk":

Another student then asked McCain a question about what he would do for “LGBT” rights – the initials stand for Lesbian, Gay, Bi Sexual, and Transgender people. McCain was confused by the question and admitted to the audience that he did not know what the initials meant. Once it was clarified, McCain told sophomore William Sleaster that he was opposed to any form of discrimination, but he supported the military’s current “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy and that he opposed gay marriage.

“I believe that the sanctity of marriage between man and woman is unique and should be preserved, and I understand the controversy that swirls around that issue, and that debate needs to be continued to be held, but I support that position,” McCain said.

“You want to take away someone’s rights because you believe it’s wrong,” Sleaster followed up.

“I don’t put that interpretation on my position, but I understand yours,” McCain responded, seeming to enjoy the back and forth.

“I came here looking to see a good leader, I don’t,” Sleaster said before leaving the microphone to some boos and gasps from the audience and an eventual scolding by a school administrator.

“Listen, I understand,” McCain told the buzzing crowd. “I thank you, that’s what America is all about, and I appreciate your views.”

When asked later at a news conference, McCain admitted he had never heard the initials “LGBT” before, but knew the phrase.

Justice MH; What is with this Sanctity of marriage stuff? When we have an over 50% divorce rate and high levels of domestic violence and adultery out of control. Sen. McCain is divorce, but he dares to NOT allow same-sex couples access to marriage, leaving marriage a special club for heterosexual couples. The so-called "Traditional" Marriage is not so cut and dry as Christan conservatives would have everyone to believe. Sen. McCain says he opposes discrimination. McCain does support the discriminatory policy "Don't ask Don't tell. A policy that has discharge many proud gay Americans who want to defend their country. The country they fight for doesn't grant their every right privilege that guaranteed in the U.S Constitution.

Back to the whole Traditional Marriage argument from Sen. McCain. He says it must be preserved? How is opposite sex marriage being affect in states like Massachusetts with same-sex couples having access to marriage? I haven't received an answer on that, but some will find some silly reason to show how it affects it. Now the state Iowa allows same-sex couples to marriage, but we still need a step further on Marriage Equality from the Iowa Supreme Court. Sen. McCain should listen to this judge about it is unconstitutional, and violate the due process of law and equality for all Americans. Sen. McCain is full of contradictions on this social issue. He's trying to cater to the Religious right, but they don't trust him anyway. I really don't know why the GOP party chose to get into bed with the Religious. The only reason could be to play on the American people's fear, votes, and for power! William was right, he was looking for a leading, but he didn't find one. Oh, William sure found a flip-flopper, and an inconsistent man.

Young men like William, myself, and our generation is going to change America for the better. Conservative Christan groups and leaders see my generation is moving to the left on social issues, and other issues as well. To the left, to the left, everything you own, and your theocratic[fallible] bible to the left! I respect the bible, but our nation is govern by our U.S Constitution NOT the bible or any other holy book. This is a democracy, NOT a theocracy!

High School Year Book:Gay Kiss too "illicit" and "provocative"???

Now, i really don't see what's so illicit or provocative about two people showing love and affection through a kiss.

Newark Superintendent of Schools Marion Bolden called the photograph "illicit" and ordered it blacked out of the $85 yearbook before it was distributed to students at a banquet for graduating seniors Thursday.
"It looked provocative," she said. "If it was either heterosexual or gay, it should have been blacked out. It's how they posed for the picture."

Russell Garris, the assistant superintendent who oversees the city's high schools, brought the photograph to Bolden's attention Thursday afternoon. He was concerned the picture would be controversial and upsetting to parents, Bolden said.

There are gay parents too, this is about all students both gay and straight being fairly represented in their own high school year book.

There are several photos of heterosexual couples kissing in the yearbook, but the superintendent said she didn't review the entire yearbook and was presented only with Jackson's page.

I'm not really surprise, but she made sure to review Andre and his boyfriend's kiss photo. In the state of New Jersey, it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, but the Newark, NJ school superintendent felt it necessary to protect parents on their "standards".

"I don't understand. There is no rule about no gay pictures, no guys kissing. Guys and girls kissing made it in."
-- East Side High School student Andre Jackson, whose photo of a kiss with his boyfriend David Escobales had a black marker taken to it in every copy of the yearbook.

Of course there is NO rule, they felt it was necessary, whatever that means. Andre is a inspiration to all young gay people. Andre Jackson says he came out when he was 16 and that he and David Escobales have been together since October. I wish them the best and many more. Also, it's strange a state like New Jersey would do some something like this, it recently legalized Civil Unions, and I predict in the near future, marriage will be extended to gay couples, because the new law is having problems. More on that in another post!

Gay-inclusive sex-ed plan win approval!!!

Montgomery County Public School teachers may tell students that homosexuality is not an illness. This newly approve sex-ed plan will help students who have important questions about human sexuality. The gay-inclusive sex education program will be taught throughout the district this fall.

“If a student asks ‘Am I mentally ill? Am I sick?’ that child deserves a response, if there is a response,” said Superintendent Jerry Weast.

Many supporters praise the new Curriculum. One PFLAG dad was very please with new curriculum. “It deals with the greatest fear that so many kids who are gay have,” said David Fishback, a PFLAG dad whose gay son once contemplated suicide. “Now that fear can be dealt with.”

Jim Kennedy of Teach the Facts, a coalition of curriculum supporters, said he’d hoped the district would incorporate other positive statements about homosexuality, such as notes that gays can live happy and successful lives.But the social psychologist said he was relieved that teachers can now tell their students that homosexuality is not an illness, a view that previously could not be stated in class.

Of course where there is a positive, there is a negative. The sex-ed plan has drawn critism from a group called PFOX-Parents & Friends of Gays & Ex-Gays. The director is really of out of touch with this.

Regina Griggs, director of Parents & Friends of Gays & Ex-Gays, said the lessons for students in eighth and 10th grade are improper and the board’s decision was triggered by political concerns. “It has nothing to do with education,” she said. “It has everything to do with politics.”

Lady Please! This has nothing to do with politics! Those children don't need to hear discredited, and baseless theories from PFOX. This help students with unanswered questions, and now they have them with scientific proof, and backup for it, unlike PFOX's junk science theories.

The curriculum, titled “Respect for Differences in Human Sexuality,” explains concepts such as sexual identity and orientation using nonjudgmental language.

Students in eighth grade are taught to recognize healthy relationships and how to define human sexuality, gender identity and other terms. Students in 10th grade receive a more robust curriculum, including an examination of topics such as coming out. It also asks students to consider the challenges a transgender student might face.

Justice MH's Final Thoughts: As i said throughout the post, this is a good move by this school district. Mont. teachers can now give students the question they need answered. It will also help students that are straight to understand and respect their fellow students who happen to be gay. Now the real learning can begin!

Exdous Bears false Witness!!!

From: exgaywatch.com

Exodus International, the largest ex-gay organization and increasingly active anti-gay rights lobby, is now making a rather bold claim. Without any explanation, support or fanfare, they have released two radio spots as part of a media campaign to promote their upcoming Freedom Conference in Irvine, California.

"Revolution - a sudden, radical, complete change - through Christ - freedom is possible for those who struggle with same-gender attraction…”

Both audio clips use the same script with different background music to fit the various radio programming formats. The page contains no information or support concerning the claim, and as far as one can tell it would only be heard by someone listening to the radio or happening across that particular page. A web search would not find it.

In the past, Exodus president Alan Chambers has denied this kind of immediate transformation, and certainly no proof exists to support it. When confronted by Anderson Cooper about Ted Haggard’s claim to have become heterosexual after three weeks of therapy, Chambers said:

Well, the truth is that’s not my story, and it’s not the story of anyone I’ve ever met. I don’t know Ted Haggard’s journey over the last three weeks, but like Mark, I would say that it’s something that — it doesn’t seem like something that is really the case.

Others, such as Melissa Fryrear of Focus on the Family, have made the claim, again without any substantiation, that it is possible for one to be instantaneously changed from homosexual to heterosexual:

"I know some people that God and it’s their testimony that god did an instantaneous work and they never have had homosexual thought or temptation or idea again in their lives and moved on to heterosexuality, that identity, marriage, children and it was an instantaneous moment for them".

These conferences attract not only parents, but a large youth contingent as well. Gay youth are obviously particularly targeted. It is disturbing that Exodus has placed this dubious message, one that does not even match Exodus’ own past official stance, on the radio with no explanation whatsoever. At the very least this will confuse many, and at worst - well we deal daily with what the worst can be.

Justice MH's Final Thoughts: I'm not surprise by this baseless claim by Exdous. This group still promotes that you can pray away the gay, which doesn't happen at all. Using God, the bible, and twisting Jesus's message is good bait for people with temporary blind faith. Exdous still hasn't convince America that they have had any success, and they haven't provide any document on so-called sudden radical change.
As TWO's Wayne Besen says, "this just goes to show that people can change behavior or live in denial - but they don't change their sexual orientation. The truth is: You can't pray away the gay."

Teacher suspended over racial/gay slur lecture!!!

When you try to teach children how words have power, it doesn't always be safe issue to try to teach about. This is what brought my attention to Nashville,TN. A Metro Nashville middle school teacher with a long history of opposing gay bias was suspended without pay for asking a black student how she would feel if he called her by a racial slur.

Stephen Henry, a sixth-grade teacher at Creswell Arts Magnet School and the newly elected vice president of the Metro Nashville Education Association, probably will serve his three-day unpaid suspension near the start of the 2007-08 school year, according to school officials.The 21-year teaching veteran was placed on administrative leave May 23, about a week before the end of school. He plans to appeal the decision.

Henry is a professional actor who has won numerous awards as a human rights activist and serves as vice president of the Tennessee Equality Project, a group dedicated to advancing the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents.
He also is a member of the executive committee for the Metro Nashville Education Association and teaches training courses on safety and gay and lesbian issues.

Last month, Henry overheard a female student, whose name was not released by school officials, describe something as "gay".

Henry, who declined to comment, told school officials he wanted to use the incident as a way to educate students about offensive words."Because it has been my practice all year long to address teachable moments when they present themselves ... I felt compelled to pursue that lesson," Henry wrote in an e-mail to Principal Dorothy Gunn.
"I stated that regardless of what one means, when emotionally-charged words are used, the intent of the speaker is often never heard or understood by those who actually hear the offending words."

"According to other accounts of the May 15 incident, he then asked the student how she would feel if he called her the offensive slur.
The student responded by saying, "How would you feel if I called you a cracker?"

Now did someone call her something? No. She's one of those teens who doesn't like to be corrected. This girl now call mommy. Teens are good for calling parents when they know their wrong. Believe me i try to get my mom on my side whether i'm right or wrong. Anyway here comes mother, Anzora Lee-Starks, the students mom.

"I don't think he meant it to come out the way it did, but I think my daughter was very hurt, and I was very upset about it," she said. "I teach my children not to use that word. I think he made a very poor choice in trying to explain something that is over their heads and using the n-word in the way he did."

Please! Your daughter has a smart-a** mouth. Teens these days are ready to flip-off a adult, especially when their trying to teach them about how words have power.

Lee-Starks said her daughter was bothered because she felt the teacher was using the "what-if" scenario as an excuse to call her the racial slur. Lee-Starks said Henry apologized for the incident, and she felt his apology was sincere. But, she said, she doesn't believe he should have been explaining such a sensitive topic to sixth-graders by using such a racially charged word.

She was bothered? I wonder if she told you she went off, and call the man a cracker. He wasn't trying call her a racial slur, and she knows it. She just doesn't like someone telling he about the words she was using. Stop trying to make excuses. When i was sixth-grade, i knew alot about diverse topics.

"I think he's aware what he said was inappropriate for that age group," she said. "Maybe high school or college you might have that kind of exchange and be able to say the word and it would be a discussion. It wasn't a discussion."

Um ms, that age-group more than ever needs to know about how their words have major effects on other students. The age group for sixth grade is 12-13, their ready. Why do parents act like their children can't comprehend issue that they go through? Adults always underestimate teens.

Forbidden Fruit: Sex & Religion in the Lives of American Teenagers!!!

In a new book, Forbidden Fruit: Sex & Religion in the Lives of American Teenagers by Mark Regnerus, a professor of sociology at the University of Texas at Austin, he confirms what has already has many flaws that teens are still having sex despite virginity pledges and purity balls. His research is based on several surveys of young adults about their sexual habits (or lack thereof).

"The fate of the True Love Waits movement, which began with the Southern Baptist Convention in the '90s, is a perfect example. Teenagers who signed the abstinence pledge belong to a subgroup of highly motivated virgins. But even they succumb. Follow-up surveys show that at best, pledges delayed premarital sex by 18 months -- a success by statistical standards but a disaster for Southern Baptist pastors.
...When evangelical parents say they talk to their kids about sex, they mean the morals, not the mechanics. In a quiz on pregnancy and health risks associated with sex, evangelicals scored very low. Evangelical teens don't accept themselves as people who will have sex until they've already had it. As a result, abstinence pledgers are considerably less likely than nonpledgers to use birth control the first time they have sex. "It just sort of happened," one girl told the researchers, in what could be a motto for this generation of evangelical teens".

Justice MH's Fianl thoughts: This is something which everyone should be aware of. President Bush's abstinence-only programs have already been discredited by growing amount of research by medical officals. It's sad that these kids don't have the knowledge of safe sex and contraception. Like his war policies, President Bush's abstinence-only programs are deeply flawed!

AAPA Votes to Oppose Attempts to ‘Cure’ Homosexuality!

The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) issued a press release today announcing the results of Monday’s vote on a variety of issues. Among these is the matter of conversion therapies, where they voted the following:

"The American Academy of Physician Assistants opposes any psychiatric treatment directed specifically at changing sexual orientation, such as “conversion” or “reparative” therapy which is based upon the assumption that homosexuality per se is a mental disorder or based upon the a priori assumption that the patient should change his/her sexual orientation."

With this decision, the AAPA joins a large number of prestigious professional organizations in the view that homosexuality is not a disorder to be cured, and therapy claiming to do so not something to be endorsed.

Justice MH's Final Thoughts: Another great decision by another medical organization that knows without a doubt that homosexuality is NOT a disorder to be cured, and there is NO need for therapy. There are group out there that do so-called exocrisms to rid so-called homosexual demons. It's like i said here, there is NO such thing as a homosexual demon or spirit. Demons and evil spirits also! People will come u with crazy ideas when they can't explain something. It's a shame to fall back on ancient superstitions, and fear. AAPA made the right decision, and it's something that is a logical decision. AAPA good job! The fact remains, sexual orientation can NOT be change!

Happy Mother's Day!!! Remember your Mothers!!!

Today is Mother's Day, moms need to be treated extra special today!

I also feel that Mother's Day is everyday for mothers!

For gay sons and lesbian daughters, we should really make this day for our mothers

extra special who love us unconditionally and support us! A mother always know when

something is going on with their child, and for us it help us be more open with who we are, and to share our true thoughts,and feelings!

So make this day really special for your Mother, today, and everyday!

Anti-gay pastor pied by Teen!

A teenager faces possible criminal charges after throwing a cream pie at the pastor of a breakaway Episcopal parish as the cleric was leading Sunday worship.

The pastor of Grace Church and St. Stephen's Parish, the Rev. Donald Armstrong, was reading a Church of England sermon called "Of Christian Love and Charity" at the time. He ducked and the pie missed him.

The man, Marcus Hyde, 18, tried to escape, but parishioners chased and caught him. Tim Chambers, a parishioner who witnessed the May 5th incident, described it on his blog, tbc.livejournal.com, saying, "This act was hateful. It was an invasion of sacred space."

According to a police report, the suspect said he was passing judgment on Armstrong. Hyde declined to comment when reached by phone, saying he needed to talk to a lawyer first.

The Episcopal Diocese of Colorado late last year had moved to suspend Armstrong while it investigated allegations against him of financial misconduct. Armstrong has denied wrongdoing.

The pastor returned to the theologically conservative parish in March, when church leaders voted to leave the liberal-leaning Episcopal Church. The U.S. denomination caused an uproar in 2003 when it consecrated the first openly gay Episcopal bishop.

Hyde faces potential misdemeanor charges of harassment, trespassing, criminal mischief and disrupting a lawful assembly, police Sgt. Vince Niski said.

©365Gay.com 2007

Justice MH's Thoughts: I feel that the teen who threw the pie in the pastor's face was not the thing to do in a Church. I know he had good reasons, but that is not the way to handle a situation. We all need to learn respect for each other no matter how much we disagree or don't like one another! Then again, karma can be a b*tch sometimes!